Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Martin.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my journey in horticulture by earning a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Horticultural Operations from the University of Florida. I enjoyed studying plant physiology, environmental requirements for growth, and propagation techniques. Our coursework covered plant identification, pest and disease management, and nutrient strategies essential for the healthy development of various plant species.
In June 2002, I launched AJM Environmental Services. While still a student at UF, I secured contracts with local restaurants for interior plant maintenance. After completing an internship on a large tree farm near Mt. Hood, Oregon, I continued similar work around the Portland metro area. Upon returning to Orlando, I transitioned into landscape design, installation, and maintenance. During this time, I also began research and development work with the UCF Stormwater Engineering Department. I managed the Student Union rooftop garden and collaborated with a Sanford-based roofing company to test green roof systems for both residential and commercial use. It was during this period that I discovered native plants and began growing and trialing the most resilient species for these innovative roofing systems.
In 2009, I began working as a research assistant in Winter Garden, Florida, where we trialed agricultural compounds on a wide variety of crops—including tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, corn, squash, potatoes, citrus, and sugarcane. Working directly in the field growing from seed and alongside operational farms gave me insight into the diverse practices of different growers and the specific needs of each crop. I quickly advanced from research assistant to principal investigator, managing studies from inception to completion. I was proud to be the first in the state to research the effects of neonicotinoids on honey bee populations. I maintained 14 hives as a registered beekeeper for about seven years.
In December 2013, I founded Grounded Solutions Inc. Having developed a deep appreciation for native plants and their ecological value, I focused my work on integrating them into modern landscapes. I began educating clients on how these plants interact with local soils, rainfall patterns, seasonal temperatures, and pollinators. I emphasize designs that are not only beautiful but also ecologically beneficial—supporting biodiversity, attracting beneficial wildlife, and reducing maintenance inputs.
I work with clients to develop sustainable maintenance routines, often through weekly or monthly garden walkthroughs. With time and experience, they learn the best practices for pruning and caring for their native landscapes. Grounded Solutions Inc. has allowed me to observe native plants thriving in a variety of conditions, helping me refine the art of creating sod-free, manicured, and functional landscapes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s really been a steady climb to get to where I am today. Some of the biggest challenges have come from the everyday realities of running a business—balancing operations, nurturing client relationships, and finding people who genuinely share the same vision. Pricing and bidding can be especially nuanced in our world. Because my company doesn’t operate like a traditional landscaping firm, I take a more transparent, step-by-step approach. It’s a strength, but it also means spending more time educating clients about our process and the value behind each phase of a project.
One of the most significant hurdles has been securing property in the Orlando area for a grow-production site. With residential development pushing farther into rural spaces, land prices have soared, putting expansion out of reach for many young businesses like mine.
I’m also continuing to build my team. I’m looking for a crew leader and a few additional hands for installation and maintenance work. Experience is always welcome, but I’m especially interested in people who want to focus on Florida Native Plants. There’s still limited expertise in this area, even as demand grows—so training and education are becoming just as important as the work itself. These historic species deserve proper care, and we’re committed to developing the talent that can provide it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Grounded Solutions specializes in creating Florida-native landscapes that truly give back. Our goal is to transform traditional yards into vibrant, ecologically rich spaces using pollinator-friendly plants that require less water and, over time, less maintenance. At the core of our designs are drought-tolerant Florida natives that offer seasonal flowers, berries, and habitat value for countless species.
We provide consultations for clients who need a fresh set of eyes on their property—helping them understand what to do, and just as importantly, what not to do, to achieve their vision. We also create full landscape designs for both new construction and renovation projects. In most cases, that means reducing sod and high-maintenance, high-input plants in favor of species that thrive with minimal water, fertilizer, and pruning.
I’ve become known for the educational side of my work—guiding clients as they discover a love of gardening or helping them elevate their existing skills with a bit of personalized coaching. I’m incredibly proud that our brand is rooted in ecological responsibility. By prioritizing the plants that evolved here, we’re supporting everything from butterfly host species to the pollen and nectar sources our native bees depend on.
At Grounded Solutions, we believe habitats are built from the soil up, and we take great care to repopulate residential landscapes with plants that truly give back—to people, to wildlife, and to the ecosystem as a whole.”
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, Grounded Solutions has some exciting plans on the horizon. One of our top priorities is launching a mobile retail plant trailer that can travel to farmers markets, special events, and even accompany our installation and maintenance visits. The goal is to create a flexible, accessible way for more people to discover and purchase native plants—bringing these species directly into the communities that need them.
Long term, we hope to secure property for a dedicated grow operation and a home base for our field crews. Having our own space would allow us to cultivate a wider range of Florida native plants, support our team more effectively, and expand our capacity for the installation and maintenance work that remains in such high demand. It’s all part of building an ecosystem—both literally and organizationally—that supports healthy landscapes and the people who care for them
Pricing:
- Consultations: $150/hr
- Designs: $200/hr
- Installation and Maintenance: $225/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://groundedsol.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedsolution/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundedsol
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@groundedsolution
Image Credits
All images taken by Amanda Martin
